(a) whether the Government are aware of the increasing terrorist activities in the country particularly after 11th September incident of America;
(b) if so, the details of the terrorist incidents had taken place, particularly after the said incident, state-wise;
(c) whether the Government have evaluated their areas of failure in combating terrorism;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps taken/proposed to be taken in this regard ?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (CH. VIDYASAGAR RAO )
(a) and (b): There is no significant increase in the level of terrorist violence since the September 11 terrorist attacks in America. Major terrorist incidents in J&K after 11 September 2001 are indicated below:-
(i) Nine SOG personnel were killed and 11 others injured in a Fidayeen attack on SOG camp, Handwara, Kupwara on 17.9.2001. One Fidayeen terrorist was also killed.
(ii) Terrorists launched a fidayeen attack on the State Assembly in Srinagar on 1.10.2001 killing 39 persons and injuring 60 others.
(iii) Four LeT terrorists opened indiscriminate fire at the security guards at the entrance gate of Air Force Station, Avantipura (Pulwama) on 22.10.2001 in an unsuccessful bid to enter the campus. The entries retaliated killing all the four terrorists. One sentry and one civilian were also killed and three security force personnel and one civilian injured in the exchange of fire.
(iv) One JeM terrorist entered the bathroom of PS Chadoora (Budgam) on 26.10.2001 and started firing, causing injuries to two CRPF personnel, including a SI. Army/CRPF cordoned the area and killed the terrorist in the encounter.
(v) During an operation carried out by Army/Police, one militant holed up in a mosque in village Panazan, Chadoora (Budgam) on 29.10.2001 was killed and 1 AK Rifle with 04 Magazines was recovered.
(vi) Four Army Jawans were killed and five others injured when a fidayeen group attacked 36 RR camp at Peth Dayalgam (Anantnag) on 3 November, 2001. One LeT terrorist was killed after encounter.
(c) to (e): `Public Order` and `Police` being State subjects, it is for the concerned State Governments to devise various methods and take concrete steps to counter terrorist activities in the States. Government has adopted a well coordinated and multi-pronged approach for tackling the activities of militants which includes strengthening the border management to check illegal cross border activities, gearing up the intelligence machinery, close interaction between different agencies of the Centre and the State Governments, neutralizing plans of militants and anti-national elements by coordinated action, modernization and upgradation of police and security forces with advanced sophisticated weapons and communication system etc. As a result of coordinated action, several terrorist modules have been neutralized.
Funds are also reimbursed to the States under the Scheme of reimbursement of Security Related Expenditure, incurred by the States on combating terrorist/militant/extremist activities.
Prevention of Terrorism ordinance, 2001 has been promulgated under which 23 Organisations are listed as Terrorist Organizations.
In the wake of the 11th September attacks in USA, the State Governments/Union Territories have been advised to strengthen security around the vital installations. Review of VVIP security has been undertaken. Security of airports, aircraft etc. has been strengthened. The State Governments have been requested to gear up collection of intelligence with regard to sabotage, subversive activities and attempts to disturb communal harmony. The State Governments/UTs have also been requested to keep contingency plans in readiness to deal with any eventuality.